Though it won't sound quite like a Tele without them.

For a nice neat line of string ferrules on the rear of the body, you really need to drill from both sides.

Start by getting the bridge positioned correctly on the top of the body, then mark the position of the six string holes.

Ideally using a drill press, or else a drill stand to keep the drill vertical, drill the two outer holes all the way through the body, but the four inner ones only 2/3 of the way through (mark the drill bit with tape to stop going too far.
Turn the guitar body over and using the bridge as a template, position the two outer string holes over the holes in the body and mark the position of the four inner string holes.

Now drill these string holes, again going about 2/3 the way through the body (so don稚 remove the tape from the drill until you致e done this).

Now you should have a nice neat row of string holes on the back, all ready for widening to fit the ferrules in.